PRESIDENTIAL CIRCULAR ON PREVENTION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HARASSMENT(MOBBING) AT WORKPLACES
Presidential Circular No. 2025/3 on Prevention of Psychological Harassment (Mobbing) in Workplaces (the “Circular”) has been published in the Official Gazette dated 6 March 2025 and numbered 32833.
The Circular aims to protect employees’ fundamental rights, increase the motivation of employees, ensure workplace safety, establish legal mechanisms to prevent psychological harassment to create a healthy, safe and amicable working environment. Employers and managers are required to take proactive measures to create a healthy, safe, and fair working environment.
As per the Circular, the following measures are to be implemented to combat workplace mobbing:
• The Board for Combating Psychological Harassment (in Turkish, “Psikolojik Tacizle Mücadele Kurulu”, the “Board”) has been restructured with enhanced authority to oversee employerA compliance, conduct audits, and issue mandatory guidelines. The Board will determine country-wide policies, coordinate education and information activities and carry out public awareness-raising activities.
• Employers are legally obligated to identify potential risks, implement preventive measures, and establish internal reporting mechanisms to address workplace psychological harassment and to protect employees’ fundamental rights and freedoms. Employers must also ensure that their internal policies align with the provisions of the Circular.
• Investigations must be conducted in accordance with procedural fairness, ensuring confidentiality and protection of victims, while preventing baseless accusations that may harm companies’ reputations. Complaints should be addressed urgently and with the highest level of sensitivity and objectivity.
• Preventive and protective provisions on psychological harassment must be incorporated into labor contracts and collective bargaining agreements to strengthen legal safeguards against mobbing.In addition, employees who have been subjected to psychological harassment can apply to the following platforms for assistance and support;
• Presidential Communication Center (in Turkish, “CİMER”)
• Petition Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye
• Phone line: ALO 170This Circular is important because it does not only establish a legal framework for preventing psychological harassment, but it also reinforces the responsibility of employers to create a safe and respectful workplace. By implementing these measures, employers can enhance employee well-being, improve productivity, and contribute to a more just and equitable working environment.
Our Law Firm remains at your disposal for any further clarifications you may need.
Copyright © 2025 Cailliau&Colakel Attorney Partnership, All rights reserved.